REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, has said the international community should unite to eradicate illegal fishing activities across the world's oceans. She was speaking at the International Day of Fighting Against Illegal Fishing on June 5 at the FAO (The Food and Agriculture Organization) office in Rome, Italy.

"The world must unite to combat illegal fishing across borders. It needs international cooperation," Susi stated according to a press release from the Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, Susi called on the international community to reinforce commitment to eradicate IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) Fishing. She detailed Indonesia's efforts to fight IUU Fishing and explained the challenges. She said the eradication of IUU Fishing needed commitment and had to be supported by high-tech equipment and technology to monitor the seas.

"The eradication of IUU Fishing has to be done with a wider scope, so it needs more outreach from countries and international organisations," the minister said.

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Susi emphasised that IUU Fishing was not only about environmental and fishery resources management, but also involved other illegal activities such as human trafficking and slavery and smuggling of narcotics and endangered animals.

The FAO Director-General, Jose Graziano da Silva, expressed appreciation for the Indonesian Minister's track record in combating illegal fishing and crimes at sea. "Susi Pudjiastuti has started combating IUU Fishing and it is the first consistent effort in eradicating all forms of illegal activities at sea, not just about illegal fishing," said Da Silva.

The EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, Karmenu Vella, also appreciated Susi Pudjiastuti's commitment and efforts in fighting crimes at sea.

The Minister has invited FAO member-countries, international organizations and non-governmental organisations to the Our Ocean Conference, which will be held on October 29 and 30 in Nusa Dua, Bali.

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